st petereburg to moscow cycle ride – september 2008

In September 2008, June Thompson and George Watson cycled from St Petersburg to Moscow and raised over £5,000 for ThePromise.

George and June completed the tough cycle through Russia’s changing landscape, travelling through remote villages, induatrial towns and miles and miles of nothingness! The weather was one of the challenges, but both arrived in Moscow smiling.

The bike ride was organsied by Charity Challenge and there were people on it who were raising money for their favourite charities. With hundreds of inspirational challenges organised by Charity Challenge each year they have so far helped to raise around £15 million for over 750 charities. Expeditions include treks, mountain bike rides, mountain climbs, white water rafting, sailing, horse riding and Community Challenges and take place all over the world.

We are now registered as one of their charities, so if you, or anyone you know is interested, please have a look at their website – sounds great for “gap” years and those who just need a challenge…….

Sergey spends a lot of his day indoors playing on a mat, the freedom of a swing is amazing for him

Enjoying the sunshine together in Yelatma!

Nastya receives her first christmas present

Katya, Roma & Sergey learn how to play togteher by rolling a ball to each other

Galya, Katya, Masha, Pasha & Nastya spend time in the sunshine

Andre enjoys the tactile trays, with his support worker, in the new garden at Yelatma Orphanage

Pasha loves painting!

Andre has learnt to walk by himself, thanks to splints and lots of encouragement from his Portage worker - Well Done Andre!

Ann enjoys time with her portage worker & friends at the Community Team New Year Party

Dancing & Singing at the Community Team New Year Party with Father Frost

Lunch Time! The children now have tables to sit at and can enjoy meals together

Anya is 12 and has spent most of her life in bed. With Portage she now enjoys games, communicates and is learning to walk